Apple crumble in a jar

Jams and Jellies are the best presents ever. That is, if you don’t have the money or inclination to realise the recipient’s wildest dreams of going scuba diving in Australia or owning a pair of designer shoes. As with all DIY presents, it is all about presentation.

And this little treat in a jar has the maximum presentation effect with the minimum effort. And it is delicious, which helps.

You need 1 jar of my Apple Jam, only made with very big chunks of apple (which means you probably want them boiling for 15-20 minutes rather than 10) and no muscovado sugar or golden syrup. You will also need:

1 cup of sherry-soaked dried blueberries.

1 cup of whole-wheat cereal

2 cups of crushed digestive biscuits

½ cup of honey

juice of 1 lemon

Fold the dry fruit in with the jam. Crunch the cereal and mix it in with the biscuits, the honey and the juice of 1 lemon until you obtain a sort of paste. Try and use as little of the honey as possible.

Lay down a 2 inch thick layer of jam at the bottom of you jar, followed by a 2 inch layer of the biscuit-y rubble. Repeat until you reach the top of the jar, finishing with a biscuit layer.

Close the jar, add a ribbon and you are good to go.

Theoretically this is best served with some whole greek-style yoghurt to contrast the sweetness of the jam and honey. However, if you’ve given up caring about your health try it all on its own with a generous portion of whipped cream and, maybe, a couple of spirited plums. Mmmmh, heaven.  

A last little thought, this is a great way of getting rid of undesired jam. If you've made too much apple, pear or peach jam, it doean't really matter if it's not as chuncky and unsweetened as it's indicated in this recipe. Slam it in a jar with some crushed biscuits and give it away: no harm done.